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BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) — A Boynton Beach woman has been arrested and accused of animal cruelty after a tiny pit bull puppy was found with a heavy chain wrapped tightly around its neck inside a hot vehicle.

According to Boynton Beach Police, officers responded to a dog locked inside a vehicle parked at The Inn, located at 480 W. Boynton Beach Blvd.

Upon arrival, they discovered a small, white and black pit bull puppy in obvious distress with a heavy chain tightly wrapped around its neck. According to police, two witnesses said the puppy had been in the car for nearly two hours with all of the windows closed.

The owner was not on scene. Therefore, officers broke the rear back window to rescue the puppy, who at that point was panting profusely and was sluggish.

Police said the chain was so tight, that they had to call the Boynton Beach Fire Department to assist in cutting the heavy chain from the puppy’s neck, as it was so tight that it restricted the puppy’s breathing.

Officers immediately provided water and aid to the distressed puppy.

Photo courtesy of the Boynton Beach Police Department

While they inspected the vehicle, they observed a box in the backseat that was tightly sealed with tape. They heard noises coming from the box, so, they opened the box and found a live rabbit. There were no air holes in the box, and, according to police, it was obvious the rabbit would have died if it was left in the car much longer.

Photo courtesy of the Boynton Beach Police Department

While on the scene, officers made contact with the vehicle’s owner, Beatrice Turner. Post Miranda, Turner stated that, “The dog is fine in the car” and expressed no concern for the well-being of the animals inside.

Turner was arrested for animal cruelty and transported to the Palm Beach County Jail.

The vehicle was then impounded and the animals were released to Palm Beach County Animal Control.

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